Bambusa malingensis (Seabreeze Bamboo) A vigorous growing medium-sized tropical bamboo that forms dense upright clumps of dark green culms to 35 feet tall and reportedly up to 2 ½ inches wide, though we have not seen it get wider than 1" (A Florida grower has told us that they get it up to about 1 1/2" if they fertilize it regularly throughout the growing season). The leaves are relatively small and dark green. The newly emerging culms, which are produced in profusion, are lightly powder-covered and the shoot tips are slightly nodding. Plant in full sun or light shade. Irrigate occasionally to regularly. Cold hardy to 21° F. With its smaller leaves this plant is more tolerant to wind than the larger Bambusa oldhamii but there is some disagreement on the story about coastal tolerances that gave this bamboo the name "Seabreeze", a name coined by American Bamboo Society Past President and nurseryman, Ralph Evans. Many of the Bambusa species are used with varying success in protected coastal situations (sometimes called Zone 2 or 3 coastal zone) but, even in these zones, the toughest of the bamboo are usually adversely affected by the salt laden winds. When we first heard about Bambusa malengensis's tolerance for coastal conditions we thought it would be a great addition to our product listings as we are often asked for a recommendation for coastal areas. The story, as we understand it, is that this plant was growing well for the late Richard Neufeld at his Oceanside bamboo nursery. The nursery had an abundance of Bambusa malingensis and Richard made a recommendations to someone looking to plant a bamboo in a seaside project, based on Bambusa malingensis's performance at his nursery and possibly because of his desire to sell a plant he had in good quantities. Mr. Neufeld's nursery, while in a coastal town, was not located adjacent to the ocean in what one normally associates with the coastal zone and there are some that dispute its tolerance for growing along the beach. Our nursery, while in the coastal city of Santa Barbara, is a mile away from the beach and well sheltered from direct coastal breezes so we cannot test the claim. We would love to hear from those who have planted this species and any other bamboo along the beach. For more information on plant selection in the harsh coastal zone see our Beachside Planting List. This vigorous bamboo is noted for its production of strong thick-walled new culms that are used for light duty lumber products in China. Images courtesy of Ralph Evans.
This description is based on our research and observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery garden and in other gardens that we have visited. We will also incorporate comments received from others and always appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have some additional information about this plant, in particular if this information is contrary to what we have written or if they have additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Bambusa malingensis.